Airbus has successfully delivered the first two of eight H145 helicopters ordered by the Bavarian Police. The Bavarian Police will further strengthen and upgrade their flight operations with the new aircraft.
The first batch will be used for training for their pilots and personnel, which will shortly commence. This is to ensure a seamless transition from the current H135 fleet to the new H145 aircraft.
Transition from H135
The H135 has been in service with the Bavarian police for more than twelve years and the new batch of the five-bladed aircraft will mark a new era of operations. The first batch of fully equipped police helicopters is slated for delivery in the middle of next year.
Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany commented positively on the new order: “We would like to thank Bavaria and its police force for their continued confidence in our helicopters.”
“We are proud to equip the Bavarian police with the most advanced helicopters available for law enforcement missions, supporting them in keeping our communities safe.”
Franz Muschick, Head of the Bavarian Police Helicopter Squadron stated: “Our police forces have to deal with a wide range of scenarios: searching for missing persons, transporting special units, fighting forest fires, or dealing with natural disasters.”
“The H145, with its outstanding performance and mission capabilities, will provide our police forces with an essential tool to fulfil these diverse missions.”
Mission ready & packed with tech
Germany’s largest state will enjoy fully equipped H145s which will feature one of the world’s most advanced police technology and role equipment available in the market.
This includes a high-tech advanced computer system with tactical police mission software, user-friendly to the pilot and other onboard personnel, and a reliable and sturdy stowable monitor for the co-pilot.
The helicopter crew will be guided and assisted by a light concept and multiple leading-edge camera solutions, which offers better situational awareness of the aircraft surrounding the ground. With this level of tech packed in the aircraft, it will reduce the overall workload of its crew members.
Moreover, the communication gear is very customer-centric with radio and data transfer means. This will allow safe and secure internal communications between police members. Also, a new-generation hoist has the ability to carry external loads as well as perform firefighting missions.
In addition to the high-tech cabin equipment, the propeller blade tips are illuminated to increase awareness while on the ground. Every aspect of the new helicopter is well thought out thoroughly in terms of safety.
About the H145
The new 5-bladed Airbus H145 light twin-engine helicopter is one of Airbus Helicopters’ best sellers. The new 5-bladed feature, allows added mission capability to the aircraft, increasing the functional load of the aircraft by 150kg.
The new and smart bearing-less main rotor design eases the maintenance load and will inevitably decrease maintenance costs. At the same time, the new design provides further comfort and enhancement for both passengers and crew.
There are more than 1,600 H145 family helicopters in service with a cumulative total flying hour of seven million flight hours. This proves that the helicopter is a highly capable aircraft for the Bavarian organization.
